6 Crucial Points As Libyan FF Releases Strong Statement After CAF’s Verdict Favours Nigeria

6 Crucial Points As Libyan FF Releases Strong Statement After CAF’s Verdict Favours Nigeria

  • CAF announced its verdict on the Libya vs Nigeria airport hostage saga after an investigation and hearing
  • The decision awarded the Super Eagles three points and three goals and also fined the Libyans USD 50,000
  • Expectedly, the Libyan FF has rejected the ruling and released a strong statement through its local media

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The Confederation of African Football (CAF) released its verdict on the Libya vs Nigeria airport hostage saga yesterday after weeks of investigation and hearing over the incident.

CAF ruled that Libya breached three ethics codes and awarded the Super Eagles three points and three goals. It also fined the Libyan FA $50,000, which is expected to be paid within 60 days.

Al Abraq International Airport where the Super Eagles of Nigeria were held hostage in Libya.
The Super Eagles staff and players at Al Abraq International Airport during their hostage ordeal in Libya. Photo from @official_micolo.
Source: Twitter

According to Libya News 24, the North African country has rejected the verdict and published a strong statement to its local media detailing the next steps.

Read also

A closer look at the rule Libya violated leading to CAF's tough penalty

Legit.ng analyses the six key points from the statement

Six key points from Libyan FA statement

1. The beginning of the saga

The statement reverts to the origin of the saga, which is the “alleged” dangerous rerouting of the Super Eagles' flight from Benghazi to Al Abraq, after which the players were held hostage for about 16 hours with no food or water. The incident was deemed to have broken fair rules.

2. Libyan FA rejects CAF ruling

The Libyan Football Federation has made no secret its intention to appeal the ruling if it doesn't go their way since the investigation was initiated. It is ready to potentially escalate the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

3. Seeking diplomatic options

The federation also noted that it is willing to take the matter beyond its appeal at CAF, which has to be filed within a 72-hour window, and is ready to explore diplomatic options at the international sports level to defend the “great injustice.”

Read also

Nigerian Man Expresses Joy After CAF Punishes Libya Heavily, Awards Nigeria 3 Goals And 3 Points

4. Questions over Libya’s sovereignty

The federation believes the saga is not just a sports issue but also questions Libya's national dignity and sovereignty. It added that there are calls from within the country to fight for the national team’s rights and protect its international value.

5. Call for review of CAF's rules

The Libyans noted that the incident opened up the need for reform within the African sports system and called for a review of CAF’s legal framework to prevent similar issues and ensure fair judgement of all teams.

6. Commitment to CAF competitions

The Mediterranean Knights assures of its commitment to the organisation amid calls for a fair resolution which will allow participation in continental competitions without discrimination, which it feels it has been subjected to in the current case.

Libyan FF threatens Tunisian pilot

Legit.ng reported that the Libyan FA threatened legal action against the Tunisian pilot who flew the Super Eagles to and fro Libya during their airport hostage saga.

Read also

Libya FA raises alarm ahead of CAF verdict on Super Eagles airport incident

Captain Abdellatif Merchergui’s technical account of the flight before CAF favoured Nigeria, and Libya accused him of betraying a fellow North African country.

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Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Elijah Odetokun avatar

Elijah Odetokun (Sports Editor) Elijah Odetokun is a Nigerian sports editor at Legit NG. He has four years of working experience having previously worked at Daily Times Nigeria (August 2020 - September 2020), OmaSports (December 2020 - June 2021), El Futbolero (July 2021; September 2021- November 2021), and Sports Brief (November 2022 - July 2024). He is a press conference and interview specialist and has attended trainings held by Reuters, AIPS, and FIJ. He holds a Bachelor of Agriculture (2021) from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta. Reach me via elijah.odetokun@sportsbrief.com

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